After suffering the toughest knockout of his career less than four months ago, Charles Oliveira made a big comeback in his home country, Brazil, this Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. Oliveira (36-11) submitted Mateusz Gamrot (25-4) with a rear-naked choke at 2:48 of the second round in the main event of UFC Fight Night held at the Farmasi Arena. This victory came just 105 days after Oliveira was knocked out in a lightweight title fight by Ilia Topuria. Many in the sport feared that Oliveira was returning too soon to headline his first appearance in his country since 2020, but there seemed to be no after-effects from the defeat.
The finish added more to his already remarkable legacy. Oliveira extended his UFC records for finishes (21) and submissions (17). In addition, he tied Neil Magny for the most wins in UFC history with 24, behind only Jim Miller’s 27. Immediately after the victory, Oliveira reiterated his proposal to face the BMF champion and ranked lightweight Max Holloway, whom he already faced in 2015.I’m trying to hold back the tears right now. This is for you, the Brazilian fans. This is not about money, fame, or status. This is for Brazil.
Charles Oliveira
It was a characteristic performance from Oliveira from the first second. He pressured Gamrot with his high-volume Muay Thai style. Gamrot, who replaced Rafael Fiziev with little notice, took Oliveira down in the first half of the first round, but Oliveira used the threat of an omoplata to reverse the position and take Gamrot’s back. Both lightweights exchanged blows in the second round until Oliveira secured a bodylock and lifted Gamrot off the ground. Finally, Oliveira took Gamrot’s back and applied the submission. Oliveira was already number 4 in the UFC lightweight rankings before the victory. Gamrot was at number 8. Holloway (27-8) is coming off a decision over Dustin Poirier in July, after which Holloway said he would likely miss the rest of 2025 due to a right hand injury.Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, BMF. Let’s make this happen.
Charles Oliveira
